SIMI SEEKS COMPANIES, EXPERTS FOR JOB FAIR.

Byline: Terry Kanakri Daily News Staff Writer

The city is rounding up businesses and career educators to take part in an annual fair to help Simi Valley young people find entry-level jobs and learn about future careers.

The Simi Valley Youth Employment Service (YES) hopes to sign up more than 50 businesses for the job and career fair scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 27 inside the Mountain Gate Plaza mall, 1134 Los Angeles Ave.

"We're in the midst right now of recruiting both employers and local colleges to come and participate in the job fair," said Judy Collins, the city's deputy director of community services. "We're looking for businesses who have job openings available or even if they don't have current job openings available, they can assist the youth in becoming acquainted with future business opportunities in their fields."

The job and career fair is intended to help those ages 16 to 22 find jobs and learn more about the job market at a time when competition is considered fierce, officials said.

The event, which is free to young people and prospective employers, will feature businesses in fields such as retail, food service, law enforcement, recreation, the military, health care, industry and government, Collins said.

In addition, representatives from colleges and trade schools also will be contacted to provide information about future careers and their own institutions, she said.

The primary purpose of the event is to help local young people, said Paula Mackelberg, vice chairwoman of the YES board of directors.

"It's a great opportunity for them to get to meet potential businesses out there and see what the employers have to offer and how they need to prepare themselves to join the work force," she said. "Learning some employability skills is crucial in making it because of the competitiveness."

The fair will offer the opportunity to apply for part- and full-time jobs, said Sandra Thompson, YES coordinator. Some employers are expected to interview applicants on the spot, she said, while others will give out career advice.

Any business interested in participating should call 522-4473 for more information.

"We certainly would encourage as many businesses as possible to participate," Collins said. "There are a lot of kids out there who are willing to work and learn. This fair benefits the youth and it benefits the employer."